World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

Every year, it is estimated that 5 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. For every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings together senior citizens, their caregivers and governments to combat the problem of elder abuse. The focus is on the problems of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of the elderly. The world is undergoing significant demographic changes. Estimates indicate that by 2050, the global population of people above the age of 60 will exceed the number of younger people. These changes have led to a worldwide recognition of the problems and challenges that face the elderly.

To find out more about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, you may access the link at: http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Get_Involved/Awareness/WEAAD/index.aspx. 

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th